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Should Christians get involved in supporting or celebrating Christmas? Have you ever heard that argument? Why in the world would Christians want to get involved in something that was really a “pagan holiday,” that we the Church co-opted? So for those critics, I have three points.
Number one: Do you give your kids birthday gifts? You celebrate your kids birthdays, why not celebrate the birth of the Savior? If we’re not going to do it now, when would you decide to do it? That would be a question.
Secondly, in 1st Corinthians 9:22, Paul says, “I became all things to all men, that by all means I may win some.” I can’t think of a time, and I doubt that you could think of a time in the year when there is more focus on the birth of Jesus Christ. Once a year, the world is confronted with the reality of His coming. And I think that’s great!
The third point is in Matthew 16:18,where Jesus said, “On this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” The idea is not that we are holding out against the world. The idea is that we are assaulting a world and they cannot overwhelm us. They cannot withstand the assault of the Church. The very fact that you and I are here, 2000 years after the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, is evidence of that. The world has done everything it can to squash the message, destroy the Word, and intimidate believers. Yet, all around the world today there are those who are singing praise, spreading the Word and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. So, if we co-opt or take over Christmas, that’s what we’re supposed to do. We’re supposed to seize the gates of the enemy. This is why we’re here and why this season is so important.

Gene Cunningham - April 19, 2023

The 3 Phases of Salvation

Salvation comes in three phases: 1) Justification by faith, 2) Sanctification by the Spirit, and 3) Glorification through the Resurrection. 1st Peter 1:3-7 says, "Blessed be to God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who, according to His abundant mercy catch this has begotten us again. That's our spiritual rebirth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, from the dead to an inheritance, incorruptible and undefiled that does not fade away reserved in heaven for you who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this, you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials so that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it's tested by fire, may be found in the praise and honor and glory of the revelation of Jesus Christ." When Peter talks about "the salvation that's ready to be revealed," he is talking about your ultimate deliverance. He is saying, 'Keep your eye focused on the finish line.' Keep thinking about when you stand in His presence, keep thinking about what your life is going to say to Him.

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